As the newest member of the staff at Northeastern Seminary, I have completed my first month and continue to praise the Lord for giving me the honor and privilege of working with such wonderful people in such an incredible work environment.
In this short time I have observed members of the staff and faculty of both the Seminary and Roberts Wesleyan College going about their respective jobs with passion, unity, and love for both the school and each other. It has filled me with excitement and joy to be considered a part of this amazing family. However, as I notice the level of excellence that is practiced with each task, I find myself wondering how I can measure up, and become an asset to the Northeastern and Roberts team?
My pondering of this question brought inspiration from an old friend; his name is Nehemiah. From his story in the Old Testament, Nehemiah has advised me of “five keys to finding success” in everything we do. I have already witnessed each of Nehemiah’s’ five keys practiced here at Northeastern Seminary.
1.) Maintain the proper posture and practice
Nehemiah had a posture of prayer and repentance which lead to appropriate actions (Nehemiah 1:11). Each week members of the seminary team gather for prayer for our students, each other, and to seek His wisdom.
2.) Know that God’s hand of favor is upon us
Nehemiah did not act until he was confident that God’s favor was upon him (1:11, 2:1-11). As individuals working collectively to fulfill the Lord’s call for our school, we are all aware that without God’s favor our efforts are futile. We must continue to approach each day, and each task as empowered by the Holy Spirit to accomplish our Savior’s work.
3.) Understand that the mission is bigger than you
Although Nehemiah is famous for the building of the walls of Jerusalem, his goal was to rebuild the city of his people (2:4-5). What we do at Northeastern Seminary to prepare men and women to become deeply rooted and faithfully responsive will inspire, and impact our world, and the generations that follow.
4.) Humility
Nehemiah was the king’s cupbearer. He could have remained in the comfortable confines of the royal palace; instead Nehemiah’s heart was burdened for the welfare of others. It is a wonderful and rewarding thing to esteem others higher than ourselves, and put the needs our brothers or sisters ahead of our own. When we do, we truly become imitators of Christ.
5.) Give God all the glory
Nehemiah 6:15-16: “So the wall was finished on the twenty-fifth day of Elul, in fifty-two days. And it happened, when all our enemies heard of it, and all the nations around us saw these things, that they were very disheartened in their own eyes; for they perceived that this work was done by our God.” During my time at Northeastern Seminary first as a student, then an alumnus, and now as a member of the admission staff I have witnessed hundreds of men and women who have come away from our Seminary spiritually transformed and equipped. These servants of God are inspiring families, impacting communities, and influencing the world. This is the work of the Lord, and to Him be all the honor and praise. May we never cease to give God all of the glory.
William (Bill) Gibbons graduated in 2015 from Northeastern Seminary earning a master’s degree in Transformational Leadership. Bill’s scope of experience includes serving in law enforcement, youth development and pastoral ministry. He has also taught courses on urban ministry and served as a liaison in recruitment activities at Elim Bible Institute in Lima, N.Y.
